What would an organizer need to know in order to hire me?

Finances. I am very interested in helping small blues scenes grow, so I have several options which can make it possible for organizers (including first-time organizers) to bring me out for a workshop with as few as 12 attendees. Please contact me for more information.

Communication. I have learned to request a written contract or agreement as both an instructor and an organizer. Clear expectations are useful, even (or especially) among friends. I prefer direct (even blunt) communication, because ignoring problems only allows them to fester into conflicts. I also prefer to take 15-60 minutes at the outset of each working relationship to ask and answer a number of "front loading" questions: what is your relationship with time, how can we best communicate, how do you define success, how do you like to give/receive feedback, etc. I would like to schedule a debriefing conversation with the organizer for right after the workshop and/or a week later. For workshops which involve profit sharing, I would like a clear financial report that explains my paycheck, which should be on time.

Other Services. I very much love to DJ blues and would be disappointed if I did not have the opportunity to do so on the road. I am glad to perform improvised demos with a partner I am comfortable with, especially at tango or other dances that can help draw more people. I can help with aspects of organizing a workshop: flyers, a website, pre-registration using PayPal and help with marketing/advertising. I also love to participate in formal or informal discussions about organizing, teaching or DJ'ing.

Comfort. I do not require a lot of physical comfort. I can sleep on a mat or air mattress, I can go 3-4 days easily with 5-6 hours of sleep, I can and would like to teach 5-6 hours a day, I have no allergies or diet restrictions, I am fine either with tons of people around or by myself. The only things I really need are (1) a quiet place to sleep at night, (2) clear instructions for local transportation and (3) a clear itinerary which allows time for getting some food at reasonable hours.

Happiness. For organizers who like to go the extra mile for their instructors, I love staying a few days after (or before, but preferrably after) and enjoying a new or old city. Parks, bookstores/libraries, beaches, ballparks and restaurants are usually my highlights. I especially enjoy sushi, Italian and Indian food. Also, a good old-fashioned late-night blues dance party can often be the highlight of the weekend for me.